Re: [Paddlewise] Advise and suggestions

At 10:23 AM 6/6/2003 -0700, Melissa Reese wrote:
>On Friday, June 06, 2003, at 7:51:12 AM PDT, Murphykat12_at_aol.com wrote:
>
> > My question is, am I setting my heights too high being a begining
> > kayaker?
>
>I don't think so.  Except for in the case of small children, I'm not a
>believer in "beginner's boats".  I feel that an adult "beginner" would
>benefit more from a boat that can be grown into rather than one which
>will be outgrown in a few months.

I agree with Melissa here (as I often do).  However, for many there are a 
lot of so called "beginners" boats that people can outgrow in a few 
days.  I help out at a rental shop quite often and watch first time 
paddlers go out in sea kayaks that a lot of people might think are too 
advanced.  They might be a bit wobbly at first and have a difficult time 
controlling where they want it to go.  More often than not,  four hours 
later they come back looking very comfortable (with a big grin on their 
face) and paddle up to the dock to disembark with little trouble.


>Used boats are certainly a great idea, so that you can invest a bit
>less in boats until you find your more specific preferences.
>
>If there are outfitters/boat rental places nearby, they sometimes sell
>their used boats in preparation for buying new ones for their fleet.
>They might also have bulletin boards for people selling their used
>boats. You can also check for used boats on the web, in places like:
>
>http://www.paddling.net/ (that site has searchable classified ads)

Again, good advice.  Also watch for demo days where you can try out a 
variety of boats.  The more boats you try the better idea you'll have as to 
what is the best boat for you.  If you come across a used boat that sounds 
like a good deal you can always come back here and ask about a specific 
model.   I doubt that you could find a boat (unless it's a 19' Sea Lion) 
that someone here hasn't paddled.



>I feel really lucky...in both my first boat choice (CD Caribou) and
>the way my subsequent preferences have developed. I still enjoy
>paddling the Caribou (after six years).

Like Melissa and Kirk my first boat choice was also a "real" sea kayak 
somewhat similar to the boats you're looking at (a VCP Skerray).  I've also 
had it for six years and everytime I consider selling it I get in and 
paddle it and am reminded of how fun it is and change my mind.  I've 
recently decided to try to sell it again and found someone that is 
interested it that is in exactly the same place where I was when I bought 
the boat (had just taken a course and was looking for a good boat to 
improve his skills).  I feel good about selling it to someone like that.

>My fiberglass Caribou will
>probably be the most expensive boat I'll ever own, because I've
>discovered the joys of building my own (trying to find the time to
>finish a S&G Arctic Hawk,

When *are* you going to finish that Hawk, Mellssa?   BTW, I just picked up 
Chris Cunnginghams "Building a Greenland Kayak" and that will likely be my 
next project as well.   I'm thinking of building a kid size boat for my nieces.
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